Native Americans
The federal government has a unique treaty and trust relationship with our 567 sovereign tribal nations. As part of this relationship, the federal government has the responsibility to provide health, education and law enforcement, among other services, for American Indians and Native Alaskans. While significant progress has been made, the federal government still has work to do to fully meet its obligations to Native people.
I serve as the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Native American Caucus and as Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. In both roles, I work closely with tribal leaders and Native communities to ensure adequate funding for the Indian Health Service, Indian Education, Indian School Construction and Native American Housing Block Grants. Federal investments in health, education, economic development programs, and housing are vital to making Native American families and communities stronger.
More on Native Americans
Washington, DC – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has responded to a bipartisan group of Members of Congress who urged the commissioner to “…take a stand against the use of the word ‘redskin’ as the Washington franchise’s name” in a May 13th letter. Mr. Goodell’s letter (dated June 5) and supporting material attempts to justify the use of the racial slur and says “Redskins” has “a positive meaning.” The commissioner did acknowledge in his letter that “…the issues raised with respect to the Washington Redskins name are complex.”
June 10, 2013 - 1:30 PM | Minnesota State Capitol - Room 15
Saint Paul, MN— On Monday, June 10th, Congresswoman McCollum will host a listening session at 1:30 PM at the Minnesota State Capitol to discuss the impact of proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. Anti-hunger leaders will provide testimony about the impact of this proposal on Minnesota’s low-income children, families and seniors.
Washington D.C. — Congresswoman McCollum has joined with nine Members of Congress and more than 50 organizations in urging Mr. Dan Snyder, the owner of the NFL’s Washington XXXskins football team, to change his team’s racist name.
For Immediate Release: May 16, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) voted against the latest Republican maneuver to repeal the Affordable Care Act. This effort marks the 37th time that House Republicans tried to repeal, defund, or dismantle ObamaCare.
Washington D.C.– On Friday, May 10th, the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) honored Congresswoman Betty McCollum with the 2013 Congressional Leadership Award during their 15th Anniversary Gala Celebration. After accepting the award from Executive Director, D’Shane Barnett, Congresswoman McCollum thanked the organization for their work and shared her commitment towards improving healthcare options for American Indians and Alaska Native populations.
Mr. Speaker, Congress should never have passed sequestration. These reckless cuts are affecting families and communities throughout our nation, including those in Indian Country. Yet, when sequestration passed no one thought about how it would disproportionately impact tribal communities.
For Immediate Release: March 21, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Congresswoman McCollum to Participate in Woodbury Town Hall Meeting
On Saturday, March 9, 2013, Congresswoman McCollum will join State Senator Susan Kent (53) and State Representatives Andrea Kieffer (53B) and JoAnn Ward (53A) for a Town Hall at Woodbury City Hall from 10 AM –11:30 AM. Woodbury Mayor Mary Giuliani Stephens and Washington County Commissioner Lisa Weik will also be present for the discussion. Woodbury residents are welcome to attend to hear legislative updates and ask questions about federal, state, and local issues.
For Immediate Release: February 28, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Senate version of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (S. 47) by a vote of 286 to 138. Eighty-seven Republicans and all 199 Democrats in the House supported the legislation.
Thank you Mr. Chairman. I join you in welcoming Assistant Secretary Washburn and our other witnesses to the subcommittee this morning.
Education is the cornerstone of the foundation on which we build our future. And, Native American parents, like parents all across this nation, look to a good education as an investment in a better future for their children.